Variety behind recent unemployment drop

Tuesday

Nov 26, 2013 at 3:45 AMNov 27, 2013 at 8:13 AM

In October, approximately 7,400 jobs were created statewide, according to a Texas Workforce Commission statement released Friday. This growth follows the increase of 36,400 non-farm jobs for the state in September.

In October, approximately 7,400 jobs were created statewide, according to a Texas Workforce Commission statement released Friday. This growth follows the increase of 36,400 non-farm jobs for the state in September.

According to the statement rates for the State of Texas dropped to 6.2 percent in October, down from 6.3 percent in September. This is lower than the national average of 7.3 percent.

"The private sector in Texas recorded a strong annual growth rate of 2.9 percent in October, adding nearly 265,000 jobs over the year, said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar.

In the Texoma region, unemployment rates are following similar trends. The TWC reports that the unemployment rate in the Sherman/Denison area dropped from 6.6 percent to 6.2 in October.

Scott Connell, president of the Sherman Economic Development Corporation, said that job growth has been strong in the region, siting Tyson and Consolidated Container as prime examples of growth.

"Its job growth in a variety of areas," said Connell. "I think that is the story for the state, as well."

"The Texas economy continues to move forward, with every major industry in the state showing positive growth over the last year," said TWC Commissioner Hope Andrade.

Late last year, Denison’s job market took a hit after the closure of Trailblazer, a Medicare contractor, lost the renewal bid for its Medicare contract. Approximately 500 employees were laid off from the Denison office and 390 from the Dallas office.

In April, National Government Services Inc., another Medicare contractor, announced that it would be opening a facility in Denison, creating 150 jobs in the process. The business started service in Denison over the summer.

Connell said that current job growth in the region continues to look strong.

"We are poised for significant growth going down the road," said Connell.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.